Fat City Books Coupon Code

This online used bookstore is about as close to perfect as they come. In the course of three years and hundreds of books ordered, I've only received a couple that were in slightly rough condition. Plus, most of the books on their site (or at least the ones I'm interested in) run $1.99. To make it even better, they offer free shipping for orders over $25.00. To make it even better than that, when you place an order they send you a coupon for 20% off any additional orders until the end of the next calendar month. And they encourage you to share the code. So here you go...just punch this code in during checkout: 6ACJ11 It doesn't expire until July 31st, so you have plenty of time to shop. And it's good for as many orders as you care to place until then. Happy shopping!

Fat City Books

And Then There Were Two

A couple of months ago, The Husband paid a visit to the same doctor I started seeing last fall to discuss his hypothyroidism. (Is that a word?) So after a bunch of blood work, it turns out that he has Hashimoto's Disease, which is essentially an autoimmune disorder wherein the body attacks its own thyroid gland. Apparently it's a fairly common affliction. As part of the treatment, he has to avoid gluten. The labwork also showed that he's allergic to dairy.

So here's the important part (because this is my blog and not his): What does this mean for me? It means that my life just got easier. Here's why:

Instead of cooking one dinner for him and another for me, I'm free to experiment with new gluten and dairy free recipes for the entire family to eat. I have to say, things are going fairly well. It's been nearly two weeks since I've served a dinner containing gluten or dairy and everyone (including the kids) is doing just fine.

I can start eliminating those tempting gluten and dairy containing snack items from the house. No more cookies, cupcakes, crackers, muffins, etc.

I have extra motivation to do something about a workable gluten free flour mix. I can't eat commercially produced gluten free baked goods because of my tapioca allergy, so I really have to come up with a flour mix. I've just been dragging my feet because it didn't affect anyone but me.

No one looks at me funny anymore when I bring home strange sounding grocery items, like lentil curls. In fact, sometimes I get thanked.

I have someone to commiserate with at church potlucks. Have you ever gone to a potluck and tried to find an item that didn't have gluten and dairy in it. Or just one or the other? Good stinkin' luck.

See, things have really improved here. The Husband might not agree. But I'm feeling much more comfortable with my dietary restrictions these days.

Oink, Oink

Yes, that's right. We have the swine flu at our house. How did we get it this late in the season, you ask? Beats the snot out of me. (Ha! A joke!) The doctor also seemed perplexed. I'd blame it on the public schools, but J-Man doesn't have it. At least, he doesn't act sick. But then, he didn't act sick two weeks ago when he had a raging strep infection. Either way, he got on the bus this morning.

In the meantime, since I don't have it either, I've been able to catch up on some housework. I'm starting to feel less like I live in a sty. (Look at that...another joke! My brain must be firing this morning!)

Birthday Tribute

Our sweet Little K had a birthday a couple of days ago. In honor of the event, I dug out this series of photos from 2006-7. In every picture except the last one, the head of the bed is to the left. In all of them she is sound asleep, which defies logic. But then, so does she.

Tuesdays

One of the reasons I've been so quiet lately is that I've been really, really busy. One of the busy things has been a short term project cooking dinners on Tuesdays (and one Saturday luncheon) for a class at our church. Between 20 and 25 people attended every week. Yesterday was the last one. It was a fun challenge, but it will be good to have a break, too. I had a budget of $100 per meal, for a total of $1,100. I think I came in at around $950. Here's how the menu played out. Everything was homemade unless otherwise noted.

Week 1
Lasagna, Tossed Salad, Bread (purchased), Lemon Bars

Week 2
Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles, Vegetable Tray, Fruit Tray, Brownies

Week 3
Honey Mustard Chicken, Green Beans with Mushrooms and Almonds, Rice Pilaf (from a mix), Fruit Tray, Mocha Pudding Cups

Week 4
Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, Potato Chips, Watermelon Wedges, Rice Krispie Treats

Week 5
Black Bean Soup, Corn Bread, Tossed Salad, Fruit Tray, Assorted Cookies & Pastries (from Panera)

Week 6
Build your own Baked Potato Bar, Tossed Salad, Melon Salad, Chocolate Ice Cream in Baked Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Cups

Week 7
Spaghetti and Meatballs, Garlic Bread (frozen), Tossed Salad, Fruit Tray, Cookies (from Panera)

Week 8
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup; Bread (from Panera); Mixed Lettuce Salad with Cranberries, Almonds, Gorgonzola and Raspberry Vinaigrette; Fruit Tray; Strawberry Trifle

Week 9
Ham, Cranberry Relish, Macaroni and Cheese, Spinach Salad, Fruit Tray, Assorted Cheesecake (from Trader Joe)

Week 10
Build your own Taco Bar, Corn/Tomato/Avocado/Black Bean Salad, Spanish Rice (from a mix), Fruit Tray, Devil Dogs

Saturday Luncheon
Turkey Wraps, Pasta Salad, Assorted Chips, Pickle/Olive Tray, Fruit Tray, Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ode to Coffee

I'm going to die. I'm sure of it. OK, I might be exaggerating. But not by much.

I had to give up coffee a week ago in yet another health related incident at the doctor's office. I always come out of those appointments feeling like I've been sucker punched. Did I mention that I think I'm going to die?

Oh coffee, what do I love about you? I love feeling alert. I love the lack of headaches. I love that The Husband has my cup all ready when I wake up in the morning. I love my afternoon coffee break when I actually (get this) sit down for 10 minutes. For some reason I just don't do that with a cup of tea. I could go on all day...

I've been drinking coffee since college (we won't talk about how many years ago that was) so this has been quite a shock to the system. I have to say that my severely restricted diet even takes a backseat to the lack of coffee in my life. I'd be willing to give up a couple more items if only I could have coffee back. Sigh.

I accept the nomination...

...for worst mother of the year.

So at least a month ago The Husband took all three kids sledding on a Saturday afternoon. When they got back, Big K was complaining loudly about whacking her hand and the pain. Oh, the pain. I told her it was probably just a bruise and that it would heal up in a week or so. (I may have rolled my eyes. Not sure about this, but it seems likely.) So she complained on and off about the pain. Oh, the pain. Eventually she wore me down, and I took her to the doctor, who sent us for an x-ray, and then sent us to the orthopedic hand guy, who put a cast on her this morning. Something about a chipped bone and some torn tendons. Oops.

Now, let me just state for the record that the kid is kind of a...hmmm...how shall I say this? Drama Queen. With a capital D and a capital Q. And my general policy of telling the kids to "take an aspirin and call me in the morning" has avoided many unnecessary trips to the doctor over the years. But in this case, it appears I was in error. Motherhood should really come with a manual. And an x-ray machine.


I think the thumbs up means that she's forgiven me. Ahh, it's a butterfly kisses moment.